Moisture Needs of Plants
Gardening professionals generally agree that most landscaping receives more water than necessary. Your goal, if experiencing a severe water shortage, should be to water only enough to keep grasses and plants alive. By gradually extending the length of time between waterings, plants have a tendency to require less water and become more drought resistant.

Tips to When & How Much
Plant type and soil conditions play a large role in determining when and how much to water. Turf areas require more water than trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Different soil types have different water retention capabilities. Know your soil type. Ask your local nursery or county extension office to recommend low water-using plants and ways to increase your soil's water holding capacity. Soil
Here in the Tri-Cities, our soil is more than likely, sandy. Sandy soil is porous, and doesn’t hold water well. Organic mulch, such as grass, bark or compost is an excellent top cover for plants and gardens. This layer provides needed nutrients, holds in moisture and allows less evaporation to escape. Before planting, be sure to add organic material (manure, compost, or soil amendments) and till in.

When Your lawn needs water when it starts turning a dull gray/green and loses resiliency. Shrubs droop as they approach an absolute need for water

Water Efficient Irrigation & Landscape Techniques
The object of efficient irrigation is to water only the soil surrounding the root area of the plant, not directly on the root, but the root zone.

Consider low water using turf varieties, like ornamental grasses. Consult your county extension office or local nursery to identify low water using turf varieties for your area.

Aerate compacted soil to increase water penetration - Aerating should be done only during the spring months or after fall rains resume.

Proper fertilizer application is important. Consult a nursery or landscape professional for a well-balanced fertilization program.

Eliminate any over-spray on paved areas or buildings. Investigate the source of any unusual runoff, puddling or over-saturated areas.

If you have an automated sprinkler system, make sure the controller is properly set to achieve minimum watering levels.

When landscaping, a properly designed and installed irrigation system should be included as a water conservation tool. Automated irrigation systems offer the ultimate in both control and distribution of water over other watering systems.

Watering Chart

Average Depth in Test Cans

Minutes to Waterin Spring

Minutes to Water in Summer

Minutes to Water in Fall

1/8 inch

30

60

24

1/4 inch

15

30

12

3/8 inch

10

20

8

1/2 inch

7.5

15

6

5/8 inch

6

12

4.75

3/4 inch

5

10

4

1 inch

4

8

3.33

1 and 1/8 inch

3.33

6.66

2.5

Reminder:Use this chart as a guide only, and alter your water practices according to climatic conditions. Decrease watering times and frequencies during cool and / or humid weather. Skip at least 1 scheduled watering after any substantial rainfall.